Beijing triumph in Ji Zhe's jersey retirement

BEIJING - Beijing Ducks embraced the jersey retirement of deceased former captain Ji Zhe with a 112-104 home victory over Guangzhou Loong Lions while reigning champions Guangdong Southeast Tigers sailed past Zhejiang Lions 112-97 for 11th straight win of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league on Tuesday.

The three-time CBA winner Ji, who joined Beijing in 2007, had his No. 51 jersey retired. He died of lung cancer last Thursday at the age of 33.

Andrew Nicholson and Keifer Sykes pocketed all 15 points for Guangzhou in the first quarter but fell 26-15 behind in front of Beijing's better ball movement. They cut the deficit within 10 points several times afterward but failed to turn the tide.

Ekpe Udoh led Beijing's attack with 26 points. Jeremy Lin and Zhai Xiaochuan added 22 and 16 respectively. Nicholson finished a game-best 42 points for Guangzhou.